Canada Extends Support for International Students: Updates on Temporary Policies

In a recent announcement, Minister Miller shed light on crucial updates regarding three temporary policies affecting international students, all of which were originally set to conclude at the close of 2023. Let’s delve into the details of these extensions and how they impact the experiences of international students in Canada.

1. Extended Off-Campus Work Opportunities: One significant development is the extension of the waiver on the 20-hour-per-week limit for off-campus work during the academic term. This extension, now effective until April 30, 2024, allows international students in Canada and those with pending study permit applications as of December 7, 2023, to work beyond the 20-hour threshold. The government is actively exploring options for the future, including the potential expansion of off-campus work hours to 30 per week while classes are in session.
2. Continuing Recognition of Online Study for Post-Graduation Work Permits: Another crucial measure addresses the recognition of online study time towards post-graduation work permits. Students commencing their study programs before September 1, 2024, can still count online study time, provided it constitutes less than 50% of the overall program. However, this measure will no longer apply to students starting their programs on or after that date. Originally implemented in 2020 due to pandemic-related travel restrictions, these distance learning facilitation measures have evolved to adapt to the changing landscape of international education.
3. Conclusion of Additional Work Permit Extension for Post-Graduation Work Permit Holders: In response to labor market disruptions during the pandemic and the subsequent recovery period, a temporary policy was introduced to grant an additional 18-month work permit to post-graduation work permit holders as their initial permits approached expiration. While foreign nationals with permits expiring up to December 31, 2023, are still eligible to apply, it’s important to note that this temporary policy will not be extended further. The conclusion of this policy marks a transition in Canada’s approach to supporting international graduates in the post-pandemic era.